The School Committee discussed planned upgrades to the Swampscott High School auditorium and a related parking license with the Unitarian Universalist church on Jan. 9.

The committee noted Town Meeting approval of $480,000 to install a new theater lighting system, and a $200,000 National Grid grant that requires the system be installed and functioning by March 31. A sound system previously approved in FY24 is arriving and is expected to be installed on a similar timeline.

A statement read to the committee from Joe Dulet said, “With that, and the new camera system, this auditorium will truly be a gem of the town,” and warned that installation may disrupt spring rehearsals and events. A contractor suggested a possible three-week window when the auditorium would be a dangerous work zone and therefore off-limits.

School staff said they and the church are in agreement on the license terms pending an insurance issue and that the license would provide 45 parking spaces for school-day use. Facilities staff will coordinate dumpster rental and removal of discarded materials; custodial work will be scheduled during standard custodial shifts but extra support may be considered as needed.

Committee members discussed contingency plans for planned performances and rehearsals, including moving some events to Swampscott Elementary School and coordinating with after-school programs that use cafeterias. No final relocation plan was approved at the meeting; staff said they will finalize dates with the contractor and communicate impacts to users when installation days are confirmed.

Committee members also discussed security and contractor access; staff said workers with building access will be vetted and supervised.